Dartford
Dartford, situated in the county of Kent, is a bustling town known for its strategic location near the River Thames. With a population of approximately 107,000, it is a vibrant hub for both commuters and locals alike.
The most popular cars in Dartford
When it comes to car ownership in Dartford, the data reveals some interesting trends. The Ford Fiesta takes the top spot as the most popular car in the town, favored by Dartford residents for its reliability and fuel efficiency. Following closely behind are the Volkswagen Golf, Vauxhall Corsa, BMW 3 Series, and the Audi A3.
In addition to these popular choices, Dartford residents also show a preference for SUVs and crossover vehicles, such as the Nissan Qashqai and the Range Rover Evoque. This reflects the town's diverse needs, from urban commuting to weekend adventures exploring the picturesque countryside.
Vehicle numbers in Dartford
Dartford boasts a significant number of licensed vehicles, with approximately 70,000 cars registered in the town. This high number reflects the town's reliance on private transportation and the need for efficient and reliable car maintenance services.
Postcodes and suburbs in Dartford
Dartford is divided into several postcodes and suburbs, each with its own unique charm. Some notable areas include DA1 (Dartford town center, Crayford, and Barnes Cray), DA2 (Dartford Heath, Joydens Wood, and Wilmington), DA4 (Farningham, Eynsford, and South Darenth), and DA9 (Greenhithe and Stone). These diverse neighborhoods contribute to the vibrant automotive landscape of Dartford.
As a car maintenance platform catering to the needs of Dartford residents, we understand the importance of providing top-notch services to keep their beloved vehicles running smoothly. Whether it's regular servicing, MOT testing, or repairs, our platform connects car owners with trusted professionals who are well-versed in the specific requirements of Dartford's automotive landscape.
How do brake pads work?
To slow your car down or bring it to a stop, your brake pads are used to clamp down on either side of the brake discs attached to your rear wheels, to create friction and reduce speed.
How often should brake pads need replacing?
Symptoms of malfunctioning brakes
Your car doesn’t slow down or stop as well as usual
If you feel that your brakes don’t work as well as normal or they don’t seem to provide the normal level of performance, then your brake pads could be damaged or worn out.
You can hear a squeaking or grinding noise when you brake
Any unusual sounds coming from your brakes during their operation could be a sign that the brake pads are damaged or worn down to the base plate metal.
Your brake warning light on the dashboard is illuminated
If any of your dashboard warning lights are illuminated, the sensor that detects problems or worn out parts and components has detected an issue and activated the system.
The brake pedal is in a lower position than usual
Any change of position in your brake pedal could be because of a problem with the brake pads, discs or brake fluid.
The car vibrates under braking
Excessive movement or vibration when braking could be due to problems with brake pad or disc positioning, or state of repair.
When your car pulls to one side under braking
If only one brake is working correctly, it can cause your car to pull in the direction of the functioning brake.
What happens when we replace your brake pads?
Our efficient and fully qualified mechanics will inspect the brake system for signs of wear, damage and breakage.
They will establish which brake pads need to be replaced and fit new ones as necessary.
You will also be advised of any other parts that may need to be replaced for the best operation and health of your vehicle.
Once the brake pads have been replaced, our mechanics will test it thoroughly to ensure the correct operation of the new parts and make any adjustments required for premium performance.
What causes your brake pads to stop working correctly?
The main reason your brake pads will stop functioning correctly is usually down to general wear. Over time and constant use, the friction material on the surface of the brake pad will wear out.
It’s also possible that foreign objects thrown up from the road can become trapped in the braking system can cause damage to the brake pads. The failure of other brake system components could lead to the incorrect operation, jamming or failure of your brake callipers, causing excessive wear or damage to your brake pads.